There have been significant advances in drug technologies since the first IVF treatment. One purpose of the drugs used in IVF treatment is to ensure the collection of eggs in the highest quantity and quality. They also reduce miscarriage rates after embryo transfer and protect the mother from the side effects of high dose estrogen. Since there may be confusion during the application, it is important to carefully listen to the person explaining the medication. The drug treatment scheme is given in writing to the expectant mother and father. If possible, all drug applications take place in the IVF centre. 1. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation of these two vitamins before pregnancy reduces the risk of nervous system abnormalities in the baby. Both are vital for cell division and proliferation. 2. Clomiphene and Letrazole This is the simplest treatment option used in assisted reproductive technologies. These two medicines increase the natural secretion of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) from the human brain. They are taken orally. 3. HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropins) HMGs contain the same amount of purified FSH and LH hormones obtained from menopausal urine. Their aim is to stimulate the ovaries to develop more eggs. This group of medicines is administered under the skin (around the navel). 4. Urinary FSH Urinary FSH is the only FSH hormone obtained by purification from menopausal urine. It does not contain LH. Its purpose and method of use are the same as HMG. 5. Recombinant FSH It is pure FSH produced by genetic engineering in laboratory environment. Its intended use is the same as HMG and urinary FSH. Its advantage is that it is pure and dose calibration is much more sensitive than human preparations. It is injected subcutaneously. 6. GnRH Agonists Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is secreted from the higher centres of the brain and regulates ovulation and pregnancy mechanisms. GnRH agonists suppress the secretion of FSH and LH and ensure synchronous growth of follicles during IVF treatment. They are also used for egg maturation (hatching). They are ideal for patients with a high risk of OHSS. They are available as nasal spray or subcutaneous injection. 7. GnRH Antagonists Antagonists are used in IVF treatment to prevent the eggs from hatching spontaneously. They can be started after the follicles (fluid sacs containing eggs) reach a diameter of 14 mm or on the 6th day of treatment. The method of administration is subcutaneous injection. 8. Progesterone It helps the endometrium (uterine wall) to form and the embryo to attach to the uterine wall. Progesterone is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy. Using it at the wrong time may cause the IVF treatment to fail. Progesterone can be administered orally, intramuscularly, vaginally or subcutaneously. 9. hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Although HCG is a pregnancy hormone, it is used in in vitro fertilisation to mature the eggs. Although this task belongs to the LH hormone in the natural ovulation cycle of human beings, the use of LH during treatment is not practical. The method of administration is subcutaneous injection. 10. Blood thinners Since high levels of oestrogen during IVF treatment can increase the mother's intravascular clotting, blood thinners are used. These may be in form of an aspirin or subcutaneous injection. 11. Intralipid© and immunosuppressants These drugs are believed to increase success in recurrent IVF transfer failures. Intralipid is a nutritional product given intravenously. Tacrolimus or methylprednisolone are oral immunosuppressants. 12. Antibiotics It can be given to expectant mothers and fathers at the beginning of IVF treatment, considering that bacteria may prevent pregnancy.
